Latest Burnham-On-Sea News

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Former MP to open play area
BURNHAM-On-Sea's former MP is to open Berrow's newly refurbished play area later this month. David Heathcoat-Amory will lead the ceremony on Friday 16th July at 3.30pm on Berrow Village Green in Berrow Road. It was partly funded with £50k of National Lottery cash. More...

Bikers donate £320 to hospital
A GROUP of fundraising bikers handed over a cheque for more than £300 to the Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Hospital on Wednesday (June 30th) following a recent bike run. Over 40 motorcycling enthusiasts from the town took part in a 100 mile bike from Burnham on June 13th. More...

Motorcyclist hurt in accident
THE owner of this motorbike was taken to hospital with leg injuries after being injured in an accident on the A38 near the Edithmead roundabout near Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday afternoon (July 1st). Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene at 1pm and the 55-year old was taken to hospital. More...

Town hovercraft in night rescue
Photo Special: A 21-year-old man who was stranded in mud on Weston beach has been rescued by Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercraft and a team of Coastguards early this morning (Thursday, July 1st). Crewmembers from Burnham-based BARB were paged at 2am by Coastguards. More...

Crackdown on dangerous dogs
Exclusive: Pet owners in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have been fined hundreds of pounds in recent weeks as police launch a crackdown on dangerous dogs. An alsatian owner in Highbridge has been ordered to pay compensation of £300 to a lady who was bitten on her leg. More...

Twilight Saga premiere at Ritz
Exclusive: FANS of the Twilight Saga series of movies will get to watch the latest blockbuster movie at Burnham-On-Sea's cinema a week before the rest of the country. The Ritz in Victoria Street has secured a special screening of the film at midnight this Saturday. More...

Fire crew helps stuck sheep
Exclusive: FIREFIGHTERS were called out to rescue a stranded sheep on the banks of the River Brue in Highbridge on Wednesday evening (June 30th). The animal was reported to be in difficulty near the Clyce by a passing walker, prompting a fire crew from Burnham to investigate. More...

Youth Fest in town this Sunday
A WIDE range of entertainment for young people in Burnham-On-Sea is being lined up at the town's second annual youth festival this Sunday (July 4th). The second festival will get underway at 12 noon and run until 7pm. It is being run by Burnham Youth Town Council and the Lions. More...

Pupils sew seeds of success
PUPILS at East Huntspill Primary School have started a Grow Your Own food project with the help of a local garden centre. Monkton Elm Garden Centre at Monkton Heathfield, near Bridgwater, has donated several bags of spuds to the school for its brand new Gardening Club. More...

PR firm offers summer jobs
A LOCAL public relations company is offering paid work placements to students from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge who are looking for work experience this summer. Porcupine PR can offer placements from a few weeks to several months for the right candidates. More...

Councillors' expenses unveiled
NEW figures published this week reveal district councillors have claimed £328,015 of expenses in the past year, an increase of just 3.7 per cent. The full list of claims made by district councillors in the Burnham-On-Sea area has been published on this website. More...

Sky TV to broadcast live race
MILLIONS of TV viewers will get a chance to watch live speedway racing from Burnham-On-Sea's Oak Tree Arena in August. The Somerset Rebels will play host to the Sky Sports cameras on Monday August 9th for a live transmission of a Premier League match. More...

280 enter sandcastle contest
Photo Special: OVER 280 Scouts, Beavers, Cubs and Explorers from across the district gathered on Burnham-On-Sea beach on Tuesday evening (June 29th) to take part in a mass sandcastle building competition. The youngsters took part in the contest o the beach next to the town's jetty. More...

New roles for Brean wardens
THE National Trust's wardens on Brean Down have been renamed 'rangers' and are getting brand new roles as part of a number of changes. The trust's staff have also this week had their traditional dark green uniforms replaced with these vibrant orange outfits instead. More...

Crash prompts new safety calls
Exclusive: A MOTORCYCLIST was injured in a three-vehicle accident on Berrow's Coast Road on Tuesday (June 29th), prompting fresh calls for safety improvements along the busy road. Police and ambulance crews were called to Coast Road at 3.25pm after a car towing a caravan collided with another car. More...

Tickets on sale for music show
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea District Pantomime Society have this week been in final rehearsals for their summer show, which celebrates old time musicals. Rehearsals are in full swing for 'The Good Old Days', which will be held on July 8th, 9th and 10th at Burnham's Princess Hall. More...

Hinkley plans go on show in town
EDF Energy is to hold a public exhibition in Burnham-On-Sea next month as part of its second stage of public consultation on plans to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. The energy company will be displaying its preferred proposals for Hinkley Point C at the event. More...

Turbines like 'alien invaders'
PROTESTERS fighting plans for a new wind farm in West Huntspill have this week published this photo montage of how they think the huge wind turbines will look. The group say the image illustrates what the 79 metre tall turbines would look like if they are built by energy firm Ecotricity on land next to the Huntspill River. More...

Repossession help launched
HOUSEHOLDERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area who, through no fault of their own, are at risk of losing their homes now have help at hand thanks to the launch of a new service. Sedgemoor District Council has launched a new Repossession Prevention Loan Scheme. More...

Track-side fires delay trains
Exclusive: RAIL services through the Burnham-On-Sea area were disrupted this afternoon (Monday, June 28th) after sparks from a passing steam train caused two line-side grass fires. A fire crew from Burnham was called to Middle Street in Brent Knoll at around 3.30pm - as pictured here - to extinguish the blaze. More...

Bike group given £250 boost
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Moose Lodge has presented a local emergency motorcycle courier service with a donation of £250 this week. Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service provides an out-of-hours emergency courier service to hospitals across the South West. More...

Man arrested after burglary
Exclusive: A teenager from Highbridge has been arrested by police investigating last week's burglary at St John's School in the town. A 17 year-old man was held and a laptop computer, which was stolen from the school, has been recovered. The offender was identified from CCTV images at a computer shop. More...

Love sealed on centre court!
Exclusive: A TENNIS-mad couple from Burnham-On-Sea got engaged on Wimbledon's centre court at the weekend. Darren Lloyd popped the question to his long-time girlfriend Louise Owen during a break in play at the world-famous championships on Saturday (June 26th), as pictured here. More...

Beach search for missing girl
BURNHAM-On-Sea's rescue hovercraft and Coastguard teams were called back to Weston on Sunday afternoon (June 27th) to search for a missing child. In their second call-out to the resort in 24 hours, crewmembers from BARB and the Coastguard were alerted at 3.50pm. More...

Mayor opens garden party
BURNHAM'S Mayor and Mayoress were the VIP guests at an annual kindergarten Garden Party on Saturday (June 26th). Michael and Maria Clarke performed the grand opening ceremony at Southleigh Kindergarten's summer garden party in Rectory Road, Burnham. More...

Kung fu groups head to Berrow
DOZENS of high-kicking kung fu enthusiasts from across the UK descended on Berrow for a local club's competition this week. Fei Lung Kwan Kung Fu society held its first grading competition at Berrow School, where all classes of the Fei Lung Kwan participated. More...

Cigarette causes seafront fire
A DISCARDED cigarette caused a small fire in a planter on Burnham-On-Sea seafront. One fire engine was called to Burnham's Esplanade at 7pm on Friday (June 25th) after a walker reported that a flower planter outside the Bay View Cafe was smoking and alight. More...

Frank is new Rotary President
THE Rotary Club of Burnham-On-Sea has a new President for the coming year. Frank Clegg takes over the helm from retiring President Jim Tancock at the end of a busy and enjoyable year during which the Club took part in 32 events either for charity or helping good causes. More...

Seafront dancers raise cash
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised for charity when a group of Morris dancers held a colourful display of their traditional work on Burnham seafront on Saturday afternoon (June 26th). The Chalice Morris Men performed in front of holidaymakers and seafront walkers. More...

Flag ceremonies held in towns
ARMED Forces Day was marked in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge on Saturday (June 26th) with two flag raising ceremonies. Mayor and Mayoress Michael and Maria Clarke led the short ceremonies on Highbridge Green in Market Street and at Burnham's Water Feature. More...

Nine rescued from mudflats
NINE people were rescued from the beach mudflats next to Brean Down by Burnham-On-Sea's hovercrafts and Coastguards this afternoon (Saturday, June 26th). A walker on Brean Down raised the alarm at 2pm after spotting several groups of people struggling in waist-deep mud one mile from the shore. More...

Driver injured in A38 car blaze
Exclusive: A MOTORIST was treated for burns after his car - pictured here - burst into flames near Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Friday, June 25th). Police, ambulance and fire crews from Burnham were called to the A38, near the busy Edithmead roundabout, shortly after 3.15pm. More...

Scouts duo in £2,000 challenge
TWO Explorer Scouts have been selected to represent Burnham-On-Sea in the Somerset contingent attending the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden next year - but to get there they need to raise £2,000. Rebecca Roseff and Emily Burland hope to attend the event next August. More...

Cadets lift off during Devon trip
AIR cadets from Burnham-On-Sea have been experiencing the excitement of flying in an RAF Sea King helicopter this week. The eleven strong contingent from Burnham's 290 Squadron visited the HQ of RAF Chivenor in north Devon, where the rescue helicopter is based. More...

Spate of thefts hits holiday parks
Exclusive: Handbags, credit cards and cameras are among the valuables stolen during a spate of thefts from tents and caravan awnings at two holiday parks in Burnham-On-Sea this week. A total of 11 incidents have been reported at Burnham-On-Sea Holiday Village and Brean's Unity Farm holiday park. More...

Burnham fudge shop to close
Exclusive: A LONG-running confectionery shop in Burnham-On-Sea town centre is to shut down at the end of this month after eight busy years. Roly's Fudge shop in Burnham-On-Sea High Street - which was recently named Mister Fudge - is closing down and moving to Cheddar. More...

Police name local crash victim
A HIGHBRIDGE pensioner who died in a car accident in Cornwall on Monday night (June 21st) has been named by police. Maragaret Sumpter, 83, pictured, was travelling in a silver Vauxhall Corsa when its 88 year-old driver lost control and ploughed into a wall at Millbrook. More...

Scarecrows invade village!
ROAD verges in Watchfield, near Burnham-On-Sea, were alive with strange characters at the weekend when the village held its annual scarecrow festival. Fifteen of the colourful creations were put together by local residents and hung outside homes and on fences during the event. More...

'Clean up Burnham beach'
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea resident has this week called on the district council to clean up a rubbish-strewn stretch of the town's beach. James Spottiswoode, pictured, got in contact with Burnham-On-Sea.com to express his "disgust" at the state of the beach between Allandale Road and the North Esplanade. More...

Cutbacks hit town Coastguard
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards have this week been asked to stop making visits to local schools as part of a raft of cost-cutting measures from the government. The Burnham team often visit schools and community groups to hand out seaside safety advice. More...

Football fans celebrate in town
THERE were noisy celebrations in Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Wednesday) when England won their crunch World Cup match against Slovenia. These were the scenes in The Railway Inn in Burnham's High Street as the final whistle blew following a tense game in which England won 1-0. More...

In photos: Pontins talent show
SINGERS, dancers, magicians and Elvis impersonators were the mixture of performers who took part in a talent contest in Brean at the weekend. Brean's Pontins holiday park teamed up with The Sun newspaper to launch the Search For A Star competition, which was held on Sunday. More...

Firms rescue beach wardens
Exclusive: BUSINESSES in Brean and Berrow have this week come to the rescue of Brean's beach warden service following cutbacks by cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council. The council has slashed in half the funding available for Brean Parish Council to keep the village's vital beach warden service running. More...

Murder: Woman's guilty plea
A HIGHBRIDGE woman has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice for her part in the murder of Burnham-On-Sea man George Lawson. Debbi Huxtable, from Southwell Crescent in Highbridge, is due to be sentenced on 30th July at Exeter Crown Court. More...

Town pensioner killed in crash
A HIGHBRIDGE pensioner has died following a horrific car accident in Cornwall on Monday night (June 21st). The 83-year-old lady was travelling in a silver Vauxhall Corsa when its driver lost control and ploughed into a wall at Dodbrook, near Millbrook. The lady died later in hospital. More...

9,800 homes hit by power cut
THOUSANDS of homes across the Burnham-On-Sea area were without power this evening (Tuesday June 22nd), following a brief power cut. Western Power Distribution told Burnham-On-Sea.com that a total of 9,800 homes suffered an outage at 5.26pm which lasted between 10-15 seconds. More...

Bikers roar through Burnham
DOZENS of bikers roared through Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend at the end of a fundraising bike run. Members of Somerset Motorcycle Group gathered at the Bristol Bridge Inn in Highbridge on Sunday (June 20th) before setting off on their cross-county marathon. More...

Students shadow MP for week
TWO budding policitians of the future have been getting a taste of life as an MP by shadowing Burnham-On-Sea's Member of Parliament Tessa Munt in London and at constituency meetings over the past week. We speak to King Alfred School sixth formers Charlie Feltham and Emily Sanders. More...

Deer gives birth to two fawns
AN injured deer which is in the care of Secret World Wildlife Centre in East Huntspill has given birth to two fawns. The roe deer, which was injured in a road accident earlier this year, was brought to Secret World because of the centre's experience in rearing the animals. More...

Burnham to mark Forces Day
ARMED Forces Day will be marked in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge this Saturday (June 26th) with two flag raising ceremonies. The Ministry of Defence has invited local communities across the UK to take part in the second annual event, which shines a spotlight on the worked of the armed forces. More...

Crowds attend classic car show
CROWDS of motor vehicle enthusiasts attended a two-day special event in Brent Knoll over the weekend. Sanders Garden World hosted a Vintage and Classic Vehicle Display on Saturday and Sunday (June 19th and 20th) to raise money for the Freewheelers bikers charity. More...

Burglars break into town school
Exclusive: A LAPTOP computer worth hundreds of pounds was stolen during a burglary at a Highbridge school in the early hours of today (Monday, June 21st). Police were called to St John's School in Burnham Road at 2.31am, where they found an intruder had broken into the premises. More...

Police appeal after car accident
POLICE have appealed for information following a fail-to-stop accident in East Huntspill on Wednesday (June 16th). At around 11.45am there was a crash between a black motorcycle and a burgundy-red Toyota on Church Road at the junction with Hackness Road. More...

Flautists help community centre
AN afternoon of flute music raised £140 towards the refurbishment of Burnham-On-Sea's Community Centre on Sunday (June 20th). Over 40 people attended the concert, performed by Flutations, which was organised by The Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre. More...

Cider event raises charity cash
MORE than 130 people attended a cider-themed charity fundraiser near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday night (June 19th). The event, called Somerset Cider Special, was held at Rich's Cider Farm in the village of Watchfield by Burnham Rotary Club to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. More...

Trapped gull freed by fire crew
A FIRE crew from Burnham-On-Sea carried out one of their most bizarre rescues of the year so far when they helped free a trapped baby seagull on Sunday afternoon (June 20th). One fire engine from Burnham was sent to Poplar Estate in Highbridge at 4.30pm to rescue the bird. More...

Couple in race against tide
Exclusive: A BRIDGWATER couple had a race against time on their hands when their car came close to becoming the latest victim of fast-incoming sea water at Brean today (Sunday, June 20th). Gordon and Teresa Cresswell had parked their Nissan Primera on the beach and then gone for a walk on top of Brean Down. More...

Guides set new world record
CUBS and beavers from Burnham-On-Sea were among 20,000 youngsters across the UK who set a new Guinness World Record for the largest ever sleepover on Saturday (June 19th). The Burnham youngsters, pictured here, slept under canvas outside their BASC Ground headquarters. More...

In photos: St John's Church fair
BIG crowds flocked to St John's Church in Highbridge on Saturday (June 19th) when it held its annual summer fair. Sunny weather brought large numbers of supporters to the event, which was held at St John's School. They enjoyed live band music and entertainment plus stalls. More...

'Flare' prompts beach search
BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards were called out late on Friday (June 18th) to conduct a torch-lit search of the town's beach amid concerns that a sighting of a red light may have been a distress flare. A team of five Burnham Coastguards searched a large area of the beach around the low lighthouse. More...

Town pupils in coastal study
A GROUP of students from Highbridge's King Alfred School have this week been studying fossils and rock forms along the Bristol Channel coast. The Year 7 Geography students took part in several day visits to Kilve beach, where they studied the physical landscape. More...

Biker air-lifted from A38 crash
A MOTORCYCLIST was air-lifted to hospital after a crash on the A38 at Biddisham on Friday afternoon (June 18th). Police and ambulance crews from Burnham-On-Sea rushed to the scene at 1.25pm and found the biker had suffered leg injuries, requiring hospital treatment. More...

Final call for Stert Swim entries
ORGANISERS of Burnham-On-Sea's annual Stert Island Swim have this week made a final call for entries to this year's sea swim. The entry period for the popular event began earlier this year and around 10 places are now available. The unique 2,400m race will this year take place on July 18th. More...

Cyclist injured in road accident
Exclusive: A teenage cyclist has been taken to hospital after being knocked off his bike at a busy Burnham-On-Sea roundabout this week. An ambulance and police were called to the junction of Marine Drive and Burnham Road at 7.20pm on Wednesday evening (June 16th) after the collision. More...

Youth Fest plans gather pace
ORGANISERS of Burnham-On-Sea's annual Youth Fest are making final preparations for next month's big event. The second festival will be held on Sunday 4th July from 12 noon to 7pm and is being overseen by Burnham's Youth Town Council in association with Burnham-On-Sea Lions Club. More...

Mayor hands out Scouts awards
DOZENS of Scout leaders from across the district gathered in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday evening (June 17th) for their annual awards presentation night. Burnham's Mayor and Mayoress, Michael and Maria Clarke, were among the special guests, including the chairman of Sedgemoor District Council. More...

Hinkley opportunities on show
BUSINESSES in the Burnham-On-Sea area can find out next month how they can take advantage of plans to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. EDF Energy, which has plans to build two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point, will be staging a conference on Tuesday 6th July. More...

Berrow pair hold tea fundraiser
A GROUP of residents in Berrow will be raising a cuppa for charity this weekend when they hold a fundraising cream tea for Marie Curie Cancer Care. For a third year, Steve and Hilary Cox and their neighbours will be serving up hundreds of teas to raise charity funds on Saturday (June 19th). More...

Gateway Club return from break
OVER 50 members of Burnham-On-Sea's Gateway Club have just returned from a week's holiday in Minehead. The group of 53 adults, who all have learning disabilities, were waved off by Burnham's Mayor, Michael Clarke, as they took a coach from the Burnham-On-Sea to Butlins. More...

Three arrests after bike thefts
Exclusive: THREE people have been arrested by Burnham-On-Sea police this week after a spate of bicycle thefts across the area. Five bikes were stolen in Highbridge during one week and several more are believed to be missing, prompting police to warn bicycle owners in Burnham and Highbridge to take special care on security. More...

New Chamber boss has big plans
Exclusive: THE new chairman of Burnham-On-Sea's Chamber of Trade has unveiled plans to launch a fresh attempt to secure the future of the town's Christmas lighting display and also produce 100,000 copies of a new shopping guide booklet to help boost business in the town. More...

Patrick wins top volunteer award
A DEDICATED volunteer from Burnham-On-Sea has this week been rewarded for his work in teaching local children by being named 'Sedgemoor Volunteer of The Year'. Patrick Barber, who runs the local Fei Lung Kwan kung fu group, was shocked to find he had won the award, which described as a 'wonderful surprise'. More...

Councillor's £250 boost for group
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea's Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy were celebrating on Wednesday (June 16th) after a County Councillor presented the group with a cheque for hundreds of pounds. Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton handed the group's founder Sally Edwards with a cheque for £250. More...

Decision on flats plans deferred
Exclusive: A DECISION on whether the redevelopment of Burnham-On-Sea's former Tucker's Garage site into a new building of 27 flats can proceed has this week been deferred for more talks. The developer said it could not afford to pay £150,000 for community facilities as part of the scheme. More...

Lifeboat launch for school visit
SCHOOL children from Woodsite Community School, Dudley, had a first hand experience of a real lifeboat shout during their visit to Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (June 16th). The children were enjoying an educational tour on sea safety when the lifeboat crew's pagers sprang into life. More...

Tennis academy gets £3k boost
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy has been awarded a £3,000 grant from the Somerset Community Foundation to be used to subsidise the coaching of talented children. Delighted Sally Edwards, the founder of the group, said she made a last minute application for the cash. More...

Berrow Road flats plan rejected
Exclusive: CONCERNS about over-development and loss of privacy are among the reasons for a controversial extension to a block of flats in Burnham-On-Sea being rejected by the district council this week. Residents of Brue House in Berrow Road were unhappy at the proposals. More...

500 pupils to visit rescue groups
DOZENS of pupils from Sutton Park Community Primary School in Kidderminster enjoyed a special visit to Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday (June 15th) when they were given a VIP tour of the town's marine rescue services. They visited BARB, Burnham Coastguards and the town's RNLI. More...

Plans for 53 new homes rejected
RESIDENTS were celebrating today (Tuesday, June 15th) after proposals to build 53 new homes in Burnham-On-Sea were turned down by the district council for a second time. Persimmon Homes had applied to build a new estate on the former Worston refuse tip to the west of Lawrence Close. More...

Search begins for carnival queen
THE search is on for this year's Highbridge and Burnham-On-Sea Carnival Queen and Princesses. Organisers from Burnham-On-Sea Lions Club have this week kicked off the annual hunt to find this year's contestants. The contest is once again open to girls 7-15 and entries are now being welcomed. More...

Placard protest held at meeting
Exclusive: PLACARD-wielding protesters confronted National Grid bosses when they held an exhibition in Mark, near Burnham-On-Sea, at the weekend to display controversial plans for a new power line through Somerset. The protesters from 'Pylon Moor Pressure' held a demo outside the hall. More...

Alcohol seized at beach party
Exclusive: HUNDREDS of pounds worth of alcohol was seized by Burnham-On-Sea police when officers swooped on a party on the town's beach at the weekend. Following reports of anti-social behaviour and underage drinking, police found about 50 young people gathered together on Burnham Beach and in the dunes. More...

Retiring Beaver leaders praised
TWO retiring Burnham-On-Sea Beaver Scout leaders have this week been thanked for their work after each spending 15 years working with the town's Scout group. Nita Buckler and Mary Matthews were presented with flowers by Group Scout Leader Dave Burland at the Burnham Scout AGM. More...

Man rescued from roadside ditch
FIRE crews rescued a man from a water-filled ditch near Brean on Sunday night (June 13th). Fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea, Weston and Bridgwater rushed to Brean Road in Lympsham at 11.05pm after the man had fallen off his bike into the water-filled roadside ditch. More...

Highbridge Radio to go full-time?
A TEMPORARY radio station, Highbridge Family Radio, which took to the airwaves in the town over the weekend hopes to become a permanent service in the future. The station transmitted a schedule of music, chat and information live from Market Street in Highbridge. More...

Bikers roar off on fundraiser
OVER 40 motorcycling enthusiasts roared off from Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday morning (June 13th) for a 100 mile fundraising bike run. Motorcycle enthusiast Phil Hayward organised the event from Burnham-On-Sea to Lynmouth in aid of the Friends of Burnham Hospital. More...

Photo special: Brent Knoll Fete
AN afternoon of hot summer weather attracted big crowds to Brent Knoll's annual summer fete on Saturday (June 12th). The village's Reverend Simon Lewis officially opened the event with organiser John Page. The crowds of spectators were treated a variety of music, fun and entertainment. More...

Big crowds flock to Jazz In The Park
OVER 600 music lovers filled Burnham-On-Sea's Manor Gardens on Sunday (June 13th) for the town's annual Jazz In The Park concert. The free entertainment included music from acclaimed duo The Bennett Brothers, plus Fantabulous and the Sheepwash Playboys. It was organised by CADS, the Burnham and Highbridge Cultural Arts and Development Society. More...

Runner hands over lifeboat cash
CREWMEMBERS at Burnham-On-Sea's RNLI lifeboat station have said thanks to a town runner who raised over £1,200 for them. Running enthusiast Jason Vickers ran the London Marathon to raise a total of £2,500 that was split between two charities - the RNLI and MS Society. More...

Road re-opens after accident
POLICE, ambulance and fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea were called to the village of Mark on Saturday evening (June 12th) after a two-vehicle accident at a busy road junction. A van collided with a car at the junction of Harp Lane and the Mark Causeway at 7.35pm, leaving the road partially blocked. More...

MP drops in at technology clinic
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt dropped in at the town's youth centre on Friday (June 11th) where she gave her support to its technology clinic. The BAY Centre was pleased to receive a return visit by Mrs Munt, who had originally intended to attend it on 4th June for a UK Online event. More...

Folk music concert hailed a hit
FOLK music enthusiasts flocked to Burnham's Princess theatre on Saturday (June 12th) for an evening of entertainment from renowned folk band Magenta. On an evening when the town's pubs were full to overflowing with World Cup fans, a crowd of spectators still turned out. More...

World Cup fever hits Burnham!
WORLD Cup fever has swept across Burnham-On-Sea this weekend as England kicked off their bid to win the contest. Pubs, shops, vehicles and homes across the town have been adorned in patriotic red and white St George's flags to show support for the team in South Africa. More...

Jazz In The Park today
THREE top jazz bands will perform at Jazz In The Park in Burnham-On-Sea's Manor Gardens on Sunday (June 13th). The free entertainment will include music from acclaimed duo The Bennett Brothers, who will play a full line-up of foot-tapping swing tunes during the four hour free afternoon event. More...

School pupils' safety given boost
THE safety of youngsters taking school excursions across the Burnham-On-Sea area has been given a boost this week after the donation of 1,300 high-visibility safety vests. Burnham-On-Sea Police have been supplying pupils at several local schools with the high visibility vests. More...

Town's radio station goes live
A NEW temporary radio station, Highbridge Family Radio, took to the airwaves on Saturday (12th June) with a varied programme of music, chat and information. The station, which is supported by the Big Lottery Fund and co-ordinated by Bridgwater charity Somerset Film, is transmitting live from Market Street in Highbridge on 87.7FM and online. More...

13 years in jail for town murder
A 24 year-old man was sentenced to 13 years behind bars on Friday (June 11th) after being found guilty of the murder of Burnham-On-Sea man George Lawson. Adam Lapthorne pleaded guilty to the Christmas Eve murder during a court hearing at Exeter Crown Courton Friday. More...

150 attend wind farm meeting
Exclusive: THERE was standing room only when almost 150 residents filled a public meeting in West Huntspill on Thursday evening (June 10th) to air their views on controversial proposals to build a new wind farm. West Huntspill's Balliol Hall was full to capacity for the event to discuss the plans. More...

Burnham beach wins more praise
THE quality of Burnham-On-Sea's beaches has been praised this week in two separate studies. Tidy Britain carried out a snap inspection of Burnham and gave high marks to its standards, while bathing water results from the Environment Agency were also announced. More...

Panto society celebrates success
THIS group of Burnham-On-Sea District Pantomime Society members was celebrating this week after receiving certificates and trophies during the organisation's annual awards night. The group's president, Derick Cooper, handed out the well-deserved awards during the ceremony at Burnham Community Centre. More...

Brent Knoll fete this Saturday
BRENT Knoll's annual summer fete will take place this Saturday (June 12th) with a big line-up of traditional music, games and stalls on offer. Organisers are keeping their fingers crossed for good weather, with the event expected to attract crowds of visitors to the village green during Saturday afternoon. More...

Council 'fares well' in cash cuts
SEDGEMOOR District Council claimed on Thursday (June 10th) that it will not be forced to make unplanned cuts to services in our area this year despite a reduction in the council's central government funding. Cllr Duncan McGinty said it has "fared reasonably well" against a backdrop of wide-ranging cuts. More...

Mayor visits town elderly home
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress and the Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council were the VIP guests at an open day at a home providing sheltered accommodation for the elderly this week. Staff at Abbeyfield opened their doors on Wednesday afternoon (9th June). More...

Town centre gets a deep clean
PAVEMENTS throughout Burnham-On-Sea's town centre have been given a deep clean by the district council this week in time for the summer tourist season. The bi-annual power washing of pavements along the High Street has been taking place by the council's contractors, as pictured here. More...

Work begins on new £2.5m centre
Work to build a multi-million pound new health campus in Berrow officially started today (Thursday, June 10th) when a formal turf cutting ceremony was held. Jane Barrie OBE, Chairman of NHS Somerset, joined practice staff, doctors and the project's architects More...

Phil to hold Burnham bike run
BURNHAM-On-Sea motorcycle enthusiast Phil Hayward is to hold a fundraising bike run in aid of the Friends of Burnham Hospital this weekend. The event on Sunday 13th June will see dozens of motorcyclists ride between Burnham-On-Sea and Lynmouth for the good cause. More...

Dramatic crash sparks safety calls
Exclusive: THE shocked driver of this car had a dramatic escape in Brent Knoll this week after losing control of his vehicle, overturning down a railway embankment, and finishing upturned. Burnham-On-Sea police were called to Station Road after the damaged Ford Escort Convertible was spotted at the bottom of a steep bank. More...

Chart-topping band head to town
Exclusive: A CHART-topping pop group from the 1990s is set to perform at a Burnham-On-Sea holiday park during August. 911, a well-known boyband consisting of Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable and Spike Dawbarn, had nine top ten hits, including the UK number one 'A Little Bit More'. More...

Cash boost for Burnham in bloom
Exclusive: A SPLASH of colour has been added to Burnham-On-Sea's streets this week as the town gears up to take part in this year's Britain In Bloom competition. Organisers have been hanging baskets along the town's High Street and flower beds have been planted by the town council. More...

In photos: KAS Sports Day Fun
SIXTH formers at Highbridge's King Alfred School have been enjoying the end-of-term by taking part in a fun sports day this week. The event included events such as a fancy dress obstacle race, a three-legged contest and a space-hopper race. Teachers also joined in the wacky fun. More...

Seafront golf decision deferred
PROPOSALS to build a new mini golf course on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront have been temporarily put on hold while the district council further considers an application to lease the land. The council's Executive considered the plans on Wednesday (June 9th) and have decided to use more time to check the covenent. More...

£10k of lead stolen from church
Exclusive: MEAN thieves have stolen over £10,000 of lead strips from the roof of Burnham-On-Sea's St Andrew's Church during recent days. Police are investigating the major theft of the valuable metal from the northern roof of the church in Victoria Street. The thieves scrambled onto the roof and peeled away the metal strips. More...

Art group's exhibition opened
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Lighthouse Arts Group is holding its annual exhibition of colourful paintings throughout the month of June. The Sea Breeze Gallery in Victoria Street is hosting the free entry exhibition, which runs daily until Wednesday, 30th June. A wide range of art is on show. More...

Man arrested after drugs raid
Exclusive Photos: POLICE arrested a 37 year-old man following a drugs raid at this property in Highbridge this morning (Tuesday, June 8th). A drugs warrant was executed at Bishops Place in the town centre, just off Church Street, and the man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug. More...

Highbridge makes bloom appeal
RESIDENTS in Highbridge have this week been urged to back the town's bid to win this year's South West Britain In Bloom competition. Organisers from Highbridge in Bloom are inviting businesses and residents to enter their gardens, hanging baskets and shopfronts in the local contest. More...

'We're UK Schools Champions!'
TWO Burnham-On-Sea brothers, who are members of the town's Monarchs Gymnastics Club, are celebrating this week after being declared British Schools Champions. Acrobatic gymnasts Sean and Conor McKenna represented the South West at the latest competition. More...

53 new homes set for approval?
Exclusive: Controversial plans to build 53 homes in Burnham-On-Sea have been recommended for approval by Sedgemooor's planning case officer - much to the concern of nearby residents. Residents living in the Lawrence Close area of Burnham have been left reeling by the news regarding Persimmon Homes' plans to create a huge new housing development on a former landfill site. More...

£1k donation for community hall
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has handed over a cheque for £1,000 to the town's community centre this week. We were first to report last month that the community centre in Berrow Road had been awarded a huge £135,000 grant from environmental company Viridor, but it needed donations to secure the funding. More...

Former PCSO thanked by Mayor
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge's Mayor has this week thanked former PCSO Gill Bawler for her "valuable work" in the two towns as she moves on to a new job. Gill was presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the council by Cllr Michael Clarke on Monday (June 7th). More...

Residents call for golf re-think
A CONCERNED group of Burnham-On-Sea residents has this week called on town councillors to withdraw their support of controversial plans for a new mini golf course on the town's seafront. We reported last week how the proposed course on a grassy area of the South Esplanade had been approved by the council's planning applications committee. More...

Pensioner escapes bungalow fire
Exclusive Photos: A pensioner was treated for shock after this blaze at a bungalow in Burnham-On-Sea on Monday afternoon (June 7th). Quick-thinking residents dialled 999 after spotting the thick smoke emerging from the elderly lady's property in Ashcott Drive, as pictured here. More...

Classic car run raises £1,500
DOZENS of vintage vehicles visited Burnham-On-Sea's seafront on Saturday evening (June 5th), raising £1,500 for charity. Almost 120 police cars, fire engines and valuable old cars and motorbikes took part in the colourful 17th Vale of Avalon Vintage Vehicle Road Run, which rolled into Burnham at 6.30pm. More...

330 complete Burnham triathlon
OVER 330 athletes from across the country completed Burnham-On-Sea's grueling annual triathlon on Sunday morning (June 6th). The event, now in its 24th year, was staged in brilliant sunshine and was watched by spectators along the route. Iain Hindes from North Devon Triathletes won the event. More... | Photo slideshow

Queen backs town internet day!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Carnival Queen was the special guest at a special silver surfers internet education day in the town on Friday (June 4th). Jessica Rogers was on hand to greet visitors at the BAY Centre in Cassis Close for the annual UK Online event, which this year had the theme of 'Face your on-line fears'. More...

'Deliberate' 1.30am fire tackled
BURNHAM-On-Sea firefighters were called to extinguish a deliberate blaze in the early hours of Saturday (June 5th). One Burnham fire engine was sent to a block of flats next to the Lighthouse pub in Highbridge Road at 1.30am after a pile of furniture was set alight. More...

Explosive scare on Brean beach
Exclusive: PART of Brean beach was sealed off by police and Burnham Coastguards on Saturday afternoon (June 5th) after a metal detector enthusiast came across a possible explosive device underneath the sand. Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards and police were called to the main beach car parking area at 1.50pm. More...

In photos: Berrow Village Fayre
BIG crowds turned out at Berrow's rescheduled village fayre on Saturday (June 5th), a month after heavy winds led to the event's postponement. The event was officially opened by Richard Cadell from Children's ITV with Sooty, who is pictured here, with Berrow Parish Council's Chairman. More...

120 classic cars head to town
OVER 120 vintage vehicles will be hitting Burnham-On-Sea's seafront this evening (Saturday, June 5th). The 17th Vale of Avalon Vintage Vehicle Road Run will arrive at 6.30pm on the town's seafront and the vehicles will then be in Burnham until approximately 7.45pm after judging takes place. More...

Trio in 1,000 charity cycle ride
Exclusive: Three intrepid Burnham-On-Sea cyclists are in training to pedal their way from Land's End to John O'Groats next month. Martin Rogers, Kevin Crenol and Jason Emmett are hoping to complete the 1,000 mile fundraising ride in just seven days. They will begin their journey from Land’s End in Cornwall on July 3rd. More...

Berrow May Fayre this Saturday
BERROW'S rescheduled village fayre will take place this Saturday (June 5th) after heavy winds caused the event's postponement last month. High winds damaged marquees and tents on the village's playing field on Saturday, as reported here, leaving them strewn in trees and hedges. More...

Motorist held for drink driving
Exclusive: A MOTORIST has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving following an accident involving this car in Highbridge. Police were called to the A38, near the entrance to Highbridge Caravans, after this vehicle was reported to have struck another car and been driven eratically. More...

Fire crews free stuck cyclist
BURNHAM-On-Sea's fire crews carried out one of their more bizarre rescues this afternoon (Thursday, June 3rd) when a child became stuck on her bicycle. Two fire crews were called to Berrow beach at 4.23pm after a 999 call was made regarding the distressed youngster. More...

Bidder pulls out of Princess race
Exclusive: THE number of bidders in the race to take over Burnham-On-Sea’s Princess Hall has been reduced to three after one group dropped out during the latest round of the district council's competitive tender process. One of the four groups has decided not to continue in the process. More...

Seafront golf course 'thumbs-up'
Exclusive: CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a new mini golf course on Burnham's seafront were approved by town councillors on Wednesday evening (June 2nd). Entrepreneur Paul Chatwin wants to turn a grassy area on the South Esplanade into a purpose-built golf park over the next year. More...

Tasty lunches raise charity cash
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised for the charity Cots For Tots when generous members of Burnham-On-Sea's Inner Wheel Club held a fundraising ploughman's lunch on Wednesday (June 2nd). The event was held at Burnham Baptist Church in College Street over the course if two hours. More...

Awards for air training duo
TWO members of the Air Training Corps based in Burnham-On-Sea have this week been rewarded for their dedication and commitment to the group. Adult Warrant Officer Steve Warr, who joined as a cadet in 1990, was handed his long service medal for 12 years of superb service at the group. More...

TV panelist judges local contest
IF this week's finals of the TV series Britain's Got Talent series have inspired you to take to the stage, then a Brean holiday park wants to hear from you. Pontins Brean has teamed up with The Sun newspaper to launch a Search For A Star competition with celebrity judges. More...

Queen's greetings for Florence
A BURNHAM-On-Sea pensioner has opened her card from the Queen this week as she celebrated her 100th birthday. Florence Rose has lived in Burnham for more than 32 years and has been celebrating her cententary milestone at home with family and friends over the past few days. More...

Seafront fire drama was just a drill
AT first glance it looked like fire crews were attending a major incident on Burnham's seafront this evening (Wednesday, June 2nd). However, local residents were relieved to discover that the five vehicles and a dozen fire fighters were simply taking part in a drill. More...

Residents call for action on homes
Exclusive: Concerned council house tenants in Highbridge have launched an online petition calling on the government to give residents more power to demand local councils repair their crumbling homes. A group of residents from the Morland Road estate has launched the petition and also written to the boss of Homes In Sedgemoor. More...

TV star meets Burnham's Amy
Exclusive: GEORGE Sampson, the winner of the 2008 Britain's Got Talent TV series, met up with a Burnham-On-Sea teenager at the weekend, fulfilling a promise made earlier in the year. The dancer was originally due to attend Amy Stacey's sixteenth birthday in Burnham last January. More...

Tattoo shop sparks complaints
Exclusive: Almost 30 residents in Highbridge are up in arms over the appearance of a new tattoo shop that has opened next to a busy roundabout in the town. They are unhappy about the painted shopfront of The Devil's Work Tattoo Studio, which has opened in Church Street, next to the busy A38 roundabout. More...

New £3m pool 'progressing well'
WORK to construct Brean Leisure Park's new £3million swimming pool is progressing well with the building's concrete foundations being laid this week. The first pour of concrete was made last week in preparation for the main building work to begin on the brand new 25 metre swimming pool. More...

Heave ho! Tug of war success
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised for a local good cause during a fundraising tug-of-war in Brent Knoll, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Bank Holiday Monday (May 31st). Seven teams tried to out-pull each other during the event outside the Brent Knoll Inn while raising funds for Burnham rescue charity BARB. More...

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